Other events

Step changes in technology have influenced the way friendship are built and maintained. 62 per cent of UK adults (Ofcom, 2014), and 81 per cent of UK 13-18 year olds (YouGov, 2014) now own a smartphone, increasing the options for digital friendship, such as Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram. Although there are concerns over the increasing dominance of online friendships, a growing evidence base suggests digital friendship can impact positively on offline friendships (Davis, 2012).

This event aims to give our audience a chance to debate these ideas in light of their own experiences, with input from an expert in the field of digital communication, and a social scientist. Questions will include:
• Is it possible to trust someone if you have never met them face to face?
• How authentic are online friendships?
• Is authenticity being redefined by the digital environment?